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Category: superstition

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables” (2 Timothy 4:3,4 KJV).

First comes the intolerance toward sound doctrine. Then, and only then, arrives the tolerance toward fables.

Isaiah chapter 30, about Israel: “[8] Now go, write it before them in a table, and note it in a book, that it may be for the time to come for ever and ever: [9] That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the LORD: [10] Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits: [11] Get you out of the way, turn aside out of the path, cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us.” (God will thus let them have the Antichrist, of whom Psalm 55:21 says, “the words of his mouth were smoother than butter.”)

If you notice today’s Scripture, it is intentional rebellion against sound Bible doctrine: having ignored it, they frantically pile to themselves teachers who give them what they want to hear and believe. Their ears need to be soothed, and a “feel-good” message will pacify them! Refusing the truth, they are thereby ready to suck up fables like a vacuum cleaner pulls trash. It is a “soul blackout” (see Romans 1:18-32, especially verses 18-23).

The two verses prior to today’s Scripture read thus: “[1] I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; [2] Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” While there are apostates and heretics throughout the professing “church,” let us be faithful to “preach the word,” with special emphases on “all longsuffering and doctrine.”This is how we guard against the fables, the storytelling that often replaces sound Bible teaching. Brethren, may we be tolerant toward the truth, and intolerant toward the fables! 🙂

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables” (2 Timothy 4:3,4 KJV).

First comes the intolerance toward sound doctrine. Then, and only then, arrives the tolerance toward fables.

Watch the order in 1 Timothy chapter 4: “[1] Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; [2] Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;….” These are not lost or unsaved people. They are Christians (!). Having been in the faith, they have now deserted it! They originally embraced sound Bible doctrine. Since then, they have gradually drifted, having been “seduced” or drawn away with various ideas. Verse 3 says these tenets involve religion’s forced celibacy and dietary restrictions. God’s Word calls them “doctrines of devils.” Such individuals speak lies in hypocrisy—they appear and sound good, but they are as false as false can be.

In his last epistle, the Apostle Paul wrote somber words: “This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes” (2 Timothy 1:15). Awaiting execution, at the close of his 35-year ministry, he confessed that the vast majority of Christians in Turkey had abandoned his message. God’s grace had been deliberately tossed aside; Christ’s finished work at Calvary’s cross had been relegated to an inferior status. Man’s efforts—legalism, commandment-keeping—were now at the forefront. Works-religion corrupted the Church the Body of Christ 20 centuries ago. Yes, the professing “church” intentionally (!) apostatized 2,000 years ago!

Even after our dispensation ends, the nation Israel will follow her ancient pattern and the attitude of most today. A radical departure from sound Bible doctrine—a “falling away”—will give rise to the satanic Antichrist (2 Thessalonians 2:3). In this and all cases, it is a willful renouncement of the truth. They knew correct information at first, but having rejected the light and understanding God provided them, they are plunged into spiritual darkness and madness. Friends, may we not be as they….

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables” (2 Timothy 4:3,4 KJV).

First comes the intolerance toward sound doctrine. Then, and only then, arrives the tolerance toward fables.

Recounting Israel’s centuries of unbelief, Stephen preached in Jerusalem (Acts chapter 7): “[41] And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice unto the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands. [42] Then God turned, and gave them up to worship the host of heaven; as it is written in the book of the prophets, O ye house of Israel, have ye offered to me slain beasts and sacrifices by the space of forty years in the wilderness? [43] Yea, ye took up the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, figures which ye made to worship them: and I will carry you away beyond Babylon.”

In Exodus chapter 32, just delivered from Egyptian slavery, the Jews fashioned a golden-calf idol while Moses was up on Mount Sinai receiving the Ten Commandments (the first of which forbad idolatry). Since they insisted on false religion, God “turned” (Acts 7:42): He “gave them up to worship the host of heaven.” Here is astrology—worshipping stars, planets, the sun, and the moon (and the evil spirits thereby represented). Amos 5:25-27, which Stephen cited, reveals that the Jewish people were guilty of such devil worship throughout the 40 years of wilderness wanderings. They carried Moses’ Tabernacle (JEHOVAH God’s house) and a counterfeit tent (for their pagan sky/star-gods)! Since they rejected His Law, He gave them over to that silliness.

Friends, we should certainly not look down our nose at ancient Israel. Why? Today’s churches are often repeating such sins. They have compromised with the evil world system to some degree (usually, a very large degree). Having cast aside the truth, they are rife with error. They do not rely on the Bible alone; their “culture,” “traditions of men,” “philosophical speculations,” and such notions push aside God’s Book. Again, the order found in today’s Scripture is quite clear. Truth discarded, fables embraced….

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables” (2 Timothy 4:3,4 KJV).

First comes the intolerance toward sound doctrine. Then, and only then, arrives the tolerance toward fables.

“Thou shalt not bow down to their gods, nor serve them, nor do after their works: but thou shalt utterly overthrow them, and quite utterly break down their images. And ye shall serve the LORD your God…” (Exodus 23:24,25a). JEHOVAH God constantly reminded the nation Israel not to engage in idol worship. They have entered into a marriage relationship with Him: He is their Husband, and they are His wife. Under no circumstances whatsoever are they to be unfaithful to Him. They are to hold fast the Law of Moses, and not let it go. “Thou shalt have no other gods before me,” the First Commandment explicitly stated (Exodus 20:3).

What an awful passage we find in Jeremiah centuries later! Chapter 2: “[26] As the thief is ashamed when he is found, so is the house of Israel ashamed; they, their kings, their princes, and their priests, and their prophets. [27] Saying to a stock, Thou art my father; and to a stone, Thou hast brought me forth: for they have turned their back unto me, and not their face: but in the time of their trouble they will say, Arise, and save us. [28] But where are thy gods that thou hast made thee? let them arise, if they can save thee in the time of thy trouble: for according to the number of thy cities are thy gods, O Judah. [29] Wherefore will ye plead with me? ye all have transgressed against me, saith the LORD.”

Here is God’s people Israel after they have rejected His words. See how they actually speak to their innumerable wooden and stone idols, as though such inanimate objects can hear. They have been deceived into believing wood and stone gave birth to them!!!! Beloved, it is spiritual lunacy, thorough senselessness. Here are the spiritual depths to which the Jews allowed themselves to plunge. Today, there is still no want of such mindlessness in religion….

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables” (2 Timothy 4:3,4 KJV).

First comes the intolerance toward sound doctrine. Then, and only then, arrives the tolerance toward fables.

Once, a famous television preacher was answering religious questions. A female viewer wondered whether or not a certain behavior was superstitious. Should Christians engage in it? Rather than open the Bible and find a verse (for there was no biblical support), the preacher proceeded to tell a story. Based on that secondhand tale (a most ridiculous fable!), he reassured her that such conduct was acceptable!! Frankly, both he and she were superstitious ignoramuses: neither was operating on any Bible truth! “The blind lead the blind” (Matthew 15:14) is applicable not only to ancient Israel but also to modern Christendom!

After the Antichrist arises following the close of our Dispensation of Grace, notice how society will easily accept him (2 Thessalonians chapter 2): “[9] Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, [10] And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. [11] And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: [12] That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.”

The worst fate the God of the Bible could ever dole out on man is to leave him entirely to himself. Man would understand nothing, totally and permanently blind in the spiritual realm. Yet, through Scripture, God generously supplies spiritual knowledge, spiritual wisdom, and spiritual understanding to those who desire it. He issues ample counsels. Bibles, missionaries, and Gospel literature are all around the world. Genuine Christian websites are not impossible to find. Again, no one is “accidentally” deceived. Honestly, the masses do not want the truth; hence, they grope in spiritual obscurity (cf. today’s Scripture). The God of Christianity loves free will to such a degree that, if we so choose, He will unhesitatingly hand us over to error….

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables” (2 Timothy 4:3,4 KJV).

First comes the intolerance toward sound doctrine. Then, and only then, arrives the tolerance toward fables.

One religious holiday, some people noticed water flowing from a tree. After a few days, on another holiday, the stream was still running. Assuming it was a “sign from God,” they prayed there and bathed in the “holy” water. It was later determined that the tree’s roots had squeezed and ruptured underground water pipes!!!

Such an absurdity—and yes, it is a true story—underscores this present evil world system. It demonstrates how gullible religious people often are. They have so rejected God’s Word that they are predisposed to fall for anything and everything no matter how nonsensical. Dear friend, pay attention to today’s Scripture: no one “accidentally” falls for spiritual lies. Regardless of the dispensation, going all the way back to the beginning of creation, man has always had a word from God. Man has never been without Divine revelation… unless he has so chosen. There is not one soul Earth today “accidentally” deceived. Even in countries “closed to Christianity and the Gospel,” these people can see creation and know a Creator exists. They also have a conscience that tells them right from wrong; they know they will face that Creator in judgment.

Romans chapter 1: “[19] Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. [20] For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:….” Romans chapter 2: “[14] For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: [15] Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another; )….”

“For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer” (1 Timothy 4:4,5 KJV).

Before we advocate animal rights, let us understand that we have a God-given right to eat them!

An animal rights activist once appeared on television to complain about the consumption of turkeys on Thanksgiving. He argued that turkeys “feel pain” when they are slaughtered, and thus we should not eat them. His line of reasoning was, “If we would not eat our pet dog, then we should not eat turkey.” Such people, despite their sincerity, are ignorant of today’s Scripture.

Originally, all people and animals were herbivores; they only ate vegetation. “And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat. And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so” (Genesis 1:29,30).

Then, sin entered, and God incorporated meat into the human diet: “Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things. But flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood thereof, shall ye not eat” (Genesis 9:3,4).

When we ignore the fact that God gave us animals to eat, and we demand that others must also abstain from meat for religious (nature-worshipping) purposes, that is a “doctrine of devils” in this dispensation (1 Timothy 4:1-5). The creature should not be worshipped; only the Creator, the Lord Jesus Christ, should be worshipped (Romans 1:25). As long as we thank the Lord for whatever creatures we eat, consuming animal flesh is acceptable and godly. It does not sit well with the pantheists—who exalt nature as God—but it is approved of the living God, and that alone ultimately matters.